* Nafa centers give Guinean girls a second chance at education
* 20 Feb 2007

On this afternoon, about thirteen girls aged from 10 to 24 years old join in the Nafa center. They carefully listen to their teacher’s description on how to set up a personal project, whether it be a workshop or a cooperative.

The Nafa center learners share common ground. They left school at an early age or never attend classes during their childhood for a number of reasons, of economic or socio-cultural.

Until recently a lot of parents considered school was just for boys. Girls were kept at home to care for younger family members and help with domestic work. In rural areas, girls’ education was considered not worth the investment.

This mentality has evolved slowly because of public awareness campaigns on children rights, gender parity, and the benefits of education to the whole community.

“It only takes three years here against six in the traditional system to study the instrumental pedagogy principles, reading, writing and coding. At the end of the primary school here, the children can sit for a classic secondary school exam,” said head teacher Salimatou Bah.

In addition to learning basic skills, Nafa is encouraging some girls to dream big.
“If I am asked where I want to go, I will say up to a Ph.D. or the teaching profession; in a word, finish all my studies,” said Aminata Bountourabi Soumah.

UNICEF is supporting the Nafa centers by providing equipment and assistance to improve the working environment.

UNICEF works in a consulting capacity with the Ministry of Education, developing guidelines for Nafa centers so that they will continue to provide girls with the knowledge and skills to make the best of their lives.